On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched one of their most extensive military operations in the occupied West Bank in years, targeting militant strongholds in multiple locations. The operation, focused on the cities of Jenin and Tulkarem, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians, with most of the casualties reported to be members of Hamas.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), alongside the Israel Security Agency (ISA), initiated the operation overnight, describing it as a counter-terrorism effort aimed at dismantling what they claim to be a growing network of militants in the region. According to Israeli military officials, the operation targeted Hamas and other militant groups believed to be receiving support and weapons from Iran. The IDF’s international spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, emphasized the necessity of the operation, citing over 150 shooting and explosive attacks originating from the Jenin and Tulkarem areas over the past year.
WEST BANK: At least 10 Palestinians were killed in the largest Israeli military raid on the occupied territory since 2002.
The incursion began earlier today following air strikes in Jenin and Tubas.
The army has put curfews in place in several areas. pic.twitter.com/Vn5d552KYg
— Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut) August 28, 2024
In addition to ground raids, Israeli forces utilized airstrikes and drones, marking a significant escalation in military tactics within the West Bank. In one instance, a drone strike near Jenin reportedly killed three Palestinians in a vehicle. Other airstrikes targeted suspected militant operations rooms and infrastructure within refugee camps.
The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the deaths, which included four individuals killed by Israeli fire in Jenin. The Palestinian Authority condemned the operation, labeling it a violation of international law and accusing Israel of committing war crimes.
Israeli Operations are still ongoing in the West Bank, with several Arrests being made within the Town of Arura to the North of Ramallah. pic.twitter.com/vGK4odFQhv
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 28, 2024
The IDF also released videos on social media announcing operations targeted at removing landmines from civilian roads in Judea and Samaria.
Terrorists in northern Samaria are planting landmines in civilian areas. We are currently operating to eliminate the threats that these explosives cause to Israelis and Palestinians alike. pic.twitter.com/SLUoWc6KwK
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 28, 2024
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